Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n doubt_n reason_n unchangeable_a 49 3 17.3757 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A15525 A commentarie vpon the most diuine Epistle of S. Paul to the Romanes Containing for matter, the degeneration of our nature by Adams Fall; and the restauration thereof, by the grace of Christ. Together with the perfection of faith, and the imbecillity of workes, in the cause of iustification of elect sinners before God. For forme and maner of handling, it hath the coherence and method, the summe and scope, the interpretations & doctrines the reasons and vses, of most texts. All which, are set downe very familiarly and compendiously, in forme of a dialogue, betweene Tlmotheus [sic] and Silas, by Thomas Wilson, one of the six preachers in the cathedrall church of Canterbury. Wilson, Thomas, 1563-1622. 1614 (1614) STC 25791; ESTC S120148 882,533 1,268

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View lemmatised text

giuen by the de rection of the starres and what more false or doubt full Scope Summe Coherence Method Doctrine Reason Vse Scope Summe Notation of the word Diuision of the thing Definition What election is 1. Election eternall 2. Particular 3. Election in ferreth reprobation Propositū dei ad uersu vni genus humanum sese extendit inquit I utherus In massa pura aut corrupta In massa corrupta was election made Reasons Oracles is of the purpose of God and the good plea sure of him who calleth Origen Election com meth from the will of the Elector not from any thing in the elected Reprobation priuatiue and positiue We ought to be content with this that Gods will is the onely cause of election Phocius 7. end of elec tion Gods glory 8. effects of election 9. election vn changeeble 10. election knowne Rom 9 23 24 Doctrine Reasons Vses Will to good is not of nature it is Gods gift P. Martyr 2. Oracle A doubt Solution How this text doth fit the purpose of Paul A doubt Solution Doctrine Reason Scope Parts Debilum sinon reddis habes quod gratuler's sireddis non habes quod querarn Idem Augustine was of this opiniō for faith but retracted it Latct discretionis ratio sed non 〈◊〉 ipsa discretio Aug. Note This Texte makes much against them which holde the beginning of our saluation to come from our selues August Summe Parts Interpretation Doctrine Nos volumus sed Deus qui dat bene velle August Hoc appertissime contradicit Apostolo qui tribuit Dco quod demit voluntati Totum Deo detur qui voluntatem et 〈◊〉 et adiuuat bonam facit et conseruat Scope No reason why God did this to Pharaoh rather then to another King Chrysost. Paul might by an example of the Iew haue confirmed his purpose but wisely he did it by an heathenish king Doctrine Reason As Pharaoh omitted nothing which might bee for his owne destruction so God lefte nothing vndone which might be for his correction 〈◊〉 Interpretation Doctrine Reason Pharaoh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 libero arbitrio Deus indurauit Pharaonem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aug. The will of God cannot be resisted because it is most mighty yet it is by no meanes vniust but most vpright Amb. Origen Esay 45 〈◊〉 Psal. 135. 6. Exodus 39 7. Iob. 12 10. Duke 12 5. Ephe. 1 11. Scope Summe Interpretation Doctrine Reason Vse Scope Interpretation Doctrine Reason Vse 2. Doctrine Vse 3. Doctrine Vse 4. Doctrine Reason Vse Interpretation 5. Doctrine Reason Vse 6. Doctrine Reason Vse Summe Interpretation 1. Doctrine 2. Reason Similitudes Vses A doubt Solution Markes of a calling which is effectuall 2. Doctrine Reason Vses 3. Doctrine 4. Doctrine 5. Doctrine Reasons Reason Doctrine Proofe By scripture By reason Vse 2. Doctrine Proofe Reason Parts Method Interpretation 1. Doctrine 2. Doctrine Doctrine Doctrine 2. Doctrine Summe Parts Interpretation Doctrine Vse 2. Doctrine Reason Vse A doubt Solution 3. Doctrine Vse 4. Doctrine Reason Parts 1. Doctrine 2. Doctrine Reason Note Doctrine Reasons Vses 〈◊〉 Interpretation 2. Doctrine Reasons Vses Iohn 17 9. Parts Interpret Doctrine Reasons Vse Luke 9 34 35 Method Interpret Doctrine Reason 2 Thes 2. 8. Vse Ignorantia excusat non a toto sed á 〈◊〉 2. Doctrine Reason Vse Interpretation 3. Doctrine 4. Doctrine Reason Vse Interpretation 5. Doctrine Reason Similitude 2. Part of Chap. 6. Doctrine Reason Vse Drifte Method Parts Coherence Interpretation Summe Doctrine Reason Vse The formet Doctrine teacheth that Faith properly taken 〈◊〉 not but in respect of the obiect Christ from whom it hath al vertue and power How the law doth bring to Christ. Vse Much more worthy of reproofe are such as be neuer a whit affrighted greeued by hearing the threats of the law these be 〈◊〉 from Christ. 2. Part. 1. Doctrine 2. Doctrine Summe Scope Interpret 1. Doctrine Reason Vse Interpretation 1. Doctrine 2. Doctrine 3. Doctrine A doubt Solution Vse The law hū-bleth vs by shewing what we ought to haue and yet haue it not by our owne default also it prouoketh by prayer to secke it Scope Summe Parts Interpretation 1. Doctrine 2. Doctrine Faith properly taken is not our iustice before God A doubt A solution Therefore Law and Gos pell to be destinguished by the nature of doctrine and not by bookes Vse Doubt Solution Interpretation Doctrine Reason Vse Doctrine Doctrine Doubt Solution Vse To him who hath not the fruit of these to him Christ is not dead risen and ascended Scope Summe Parts Interpretation Doctrine Reason Vse Similitudes Vse 3. Doctrine Interpretation Doubt Solution Doubt Solution Doctrine Aidoubt Solution Vse Coherence Method or disposition of the Text. 2. Degree of Saluation Iewes Gentiles be equal wherein and why Interpret Doctrine Reason Al that be iustified by faith onely are freely iustified Amb. in 3. ad Rom. God hath Iustified vs v. sing thereto no workes but saith onely cbrys in 3. Rom Onely Faith in Christ doeth make vs cleane Aug. Vse Quod primam id verum sal sum quod posterim 2. Doctrine Reason Vse Colos. 2 2. Iohn 17 3. Iohn 6 40. Ephes. 3 12. Doubt Solution Doubt Solution Confessio est via qua peruentur 〈◊〉 Bez Note Doctrine Scope Doctrine Reason Vse Doubt Interpretation 2. Doctrine Doctrine 3 Method Interpret Doctrine Vse 2. Doctrine Reasons 2. Doctrine Doubt Doubt Solution Reasons Vse Doctrine Reason Vse Doctrine Reason Doubt Solution Vse Preaching of the word is as Oyle faith as the Lampe As the Lamp without oyle goeth out so faith without preaching Interpretation Doctrine Reason 〈◊〉 Cor. 3 12. Called to preach not to Sacrifice Coherence Doubt Solution Doubt Interpretation Doctrine 2. Doctrine Vse 5. Doctrine Reason Ezek. 3 18. 1. Cor. 9 16 17. Part. Interpret Doctrine Vse Doubt Solution Doubt No kingdome of note in the world but within 40. yeares after the passion of Christ receiued the Gospel saith Egisippus Vse 〈◊〉 brought in ra ther tyrannical subiectiō to the Pope then pure religion Peter Martyr Obiection Summe Answere Interpretation Doubt Solution Doctrine Vse Doubt Solution Doubt Solution Solution Doctrine Summe Interpretation Doctrine Reason Vse Doubt Solution Doctrine Doctrine Scope Parts Obiection Solution 1. Argument to proue that all Iewes wer not Reprobates Doubt Solution Gods loue is vnchangeable and his election constant Proofe from scripture Vse Summe Parts Interpretation Doctrine Reason Doctrine Reason Doctrine Reason Doctrine Reason Vse Doctrine Reason Deus est totus Oculus Doubt Solution Doctrine Vse See du Pless his booke of the mystery of iniquity Gratia nullo 〈◊〉 gratia nisi 〈◊〉 modo 〈◊〉 August Summe Doubt Solution Doctrine Reason Parts Doctrine Vse Vse Doubt Solution Doctrine Reason Vse Popish cuasions Vse Doctrine Reason Vse Reason Vse Reasons Summe Parts 〈◊〉 Solution Doctrine Reasons Vse Ezek. 11 19 20. Doctrine Resaon Doctrine Reason Holy Scriptures are so tempered as that is plaine in one place which is dark in another Aug. It is lawfull for vs to 〈◊〉 something
conforme not your selues to this world Hence wee gather that whatsoeuer is a property guise fashion behauiour custome or practise of sinners and corrupt men as they bee such this is euen cause enough why the children of God are to decline it and to follow the quite contrary course Diogenes thought that he should doe best when he did least what the common people did but sure that course of life is most commendable and acceptable to God which is most contrary to the fashiō of the world The more and further that in our speech gesture attire condition or workes we goe from the world the neerer we come vnto true godlinesse As Christian religion is the more pure and sincere the lesse it doth partake with the superstition of Antichrist so our Christian conuersation is the more holy and vnblameable the further it is remoued from the customes and fashions of vnregenerate persons Finally seeing Paul writeth to men already iustified by faith and sanctified yea in a great measure this putteth vs in minde that this lesson is fit for the best Christians to learne and take out and that it is a worke not of a day weeke moneth or yeare to flye the conformity and likenesse of the world but such as men ought all their life long to be occupied and busied about all time and care is heere too little This precept containeth one halfe of our repentance touching leauing of our sinnes and is like those other precepts of ceasing from euill Esay 1. 16. Psal. 34 14. of destroying and crucifying the body of sinne Rom. 6. 6. of mortifying our earthly members and putting off the olde man Col. 3 5 6 7 8. of denying worldly lusts Titus 2 12. of departing from iniquity 2. Tim. 2 19. All these differ not in substance of matter but in termes affoording businesse enough and enough againe to him that should liue Methusalems age For what a worke and a doe about for saking of one foolish and sinfull fashion I meane not of apparell yet euen that way we can bee foolish and fantasticall enough and as froward in retaining as forward in receiuing them but wicked doings how long ere one naughty vsage will bee left what time and trauaile will it aske trow you to rid our house of so many noysome cumbersome guests as haue nowe long time haunted vs our sinnes of nature custome trade especially DIAL III. Verse 2. But be ye transformed by the renewing of your minde that ye may proue what that good acceptable and perfect will of God is Tim. VVHat is the matter and method of this text Silas An exhortation to the transformation or changing of our mindes that is to pray God and earnestly to endeauour to haue our mindes changed by his Spirite This exhortation is enforced by an argument from a necessary effect because vnlesse our mindes be renewed we shal neuer be able to allow and follow the will of God which is here commended by their Epithites or qualities First good Secondly acceptable Thirdly perfect Tim. What is meant by transforming Silas Not such a Metamorphosis or change as Ouid did dreame of by passing of one substance into another but an alteration or change of iudgement purpose will and affections from euill to good which the Apostle himselfe cals a renouation or renuing such a worke of the Spirite whereby olde and corrupt qualities which still sticke in vs after new birth bee corrected and resormed till they be extinct and destroyed Tim. What is signified heere by minde Silas Both the faculties or powers of the soule to wit the vnderstanding and will the daily decayes whereof in holinesse we are heere exhorted to seeke by prayer and all meanes to repaire As a garment or an house when they waxe olde or worne are to be patched and holpen so the godly when through oldnesse of sinne or corruption any breach or waste is made in their minde or manners they are not to despaire or faint or cast away all care and hope but by sorrow teares repentance to rectifie and remedye that which is amisse and otherwise then well This is the sum of the Apostles exhortation Tim. What Doctrines do arise from this shorte exhortation Silas First that euen the noblest part of mans soule his minde and reason is corrupt and depraued with ignorance vanitie vnbeleefe errors doubtings and heresies c. This trueth hath testimony from other Authorities and places of Scripture 2 Cor. 3 5. 1 Cor. 2 14 Ephes. 2 3. and 4 18. Colos. 1 21. And also reason to proue it namely that the minde hath neede to be renued therefore it is corrupt and olde for old and corrupt things onely neede renewing That which is whole sound and perfect craueth no renouation which euer is of a thing decaied and wasted Tim. What Vse is to bee made of this Doctrine by Gods Children Silas First it confuteth such Philosophers and Popish Sophisters who vehemently contend that the mind remaineth still sound and vncorrupt alwayes enclining vnto good thinges as Aristotle speakes in his Ethickes whereas the sicknesse of the mind may be easily bewraied by these thinges namely that in those most notable things that the heathen were stirred vp vnto by the direction of their minde they had regard neither vnto the will nor honor of God but were led with ambition and vaine-glory being greedily desirous of fame and praise amongest men and as their intent and end were both naught so they failed in the manner because the loue of God and of their neighbour did not beare any sway in their actions Secondly this serueth to humble man for that hee wanteth all power to apply his minde vnto good things being altogether blinde in spirituall matters Thirdly it sheweth the great infection of sin poysoning defiling and corrupting not the body alone but the soule not the inferiour as the will affections and perfect senses but also the superiour and principall part of man the minde iudgement memory and conscience Lastly it sheweth how much the elect are beholden to the grace of Christ by whom the whole hurt taken by sin is cured and healed through his grace and Spirite Tim. What other Doctrine ariseth out of these words Silas Blessed Paul directing this exhortation to such as were already faithfull and regenerate doth heereby teach vs that the godliest persons are in this life renewed and sanctified not fully but in part onely for there should be no cause of exhorting beleeuers to be renewed in their minds were it not that still there sticketh in their soules some blindnesse and peruersenesse which would be corrected and enlightned This imperfection Paul acknowledgeth himselfe Phil. 3 12. 1 Cor. 13 9. and Dauid Psal. 119. and all the Apostles praying for encrease of Faith Finally what cause were there daylie to aske pardon of sinnes if there were heere an absolute freedome from sinne whereof the best of Gods children haue in genuously accused themselues The Scriptures
in mens writings if they haue otherwise writ ten then the truth will beare Aug. Interpret Doctrine Doctrine Reason Tradidit Robo am in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sicut Deus tradidit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pseudo 〈◊〉 Aug. Reason Vse Doctrine What a feare fullheauy punishment it is to haue an heart hardened Reasons Vse Sin is of God as a recompence not as an offence as a retribution but not as a transgrescion Scope Parts Doctrine Reason Vse Doctrins Lutherans also do much wrong vs in this matter Therebe sundry predictions which are no maledictions 2 part of the Chapter Two ends of Gods counsel in reiecting the Iewes Doctrine Reasons Vse Doctrine Vse How to reape benefit by sin Doctrine Doctrine Doctrine Interpret Summe Doctrine Reason Vse Doctrine Doctrine Reason Vse Doctrine Reason Vse Proposition Assumption Conclusion Interpret Doctrine Reason Vse Interpretation Doctrine How the Ministerie is to be made honorable Vse Parts Interpretation Doubt Solution Vse Doctrine Reason Vse Interpretation Doctrine Reason Vse Doctrine Interpret Vse Doctrine Reasons Interpret Doubt Solution Doubt Solution Vse See 〈◊〉 notes on 1. Iohn 4. 18. Doctrine Vse M. Perkins Reasons Vse Solution Doubt Solution Reasons why the Apostles doe proue their doctrine by Scripture of the old Te stament We must otherwise iudge of the canonicall Scripture then Catholike authors Interpretation Explanation of the doctrine Ezek. 37. 1 2. 3 4. c. Doctrine Reasons Vse Interpret Doubs Solution Doctrine Vse Mal. 3 6. Numb 13 19. Esay 46 11. 1 Sam. 15 29. Psal. 110 4. Iam. 1 17. Psal. 4 2 3. Doctrine Interpret Doctrine Reasons Reason Vse Doctrine Reason Doubt Doctrine 1 Cor. 10 30. Properties of our Christian Sacrifice Manner Interpret Vse Vse Sacrifice twofold proper and improper Of proper sacrifices two ends and two kindes The improper spirituall sacrifice here meant Reasons why Christian obedience is called sacrifice Vse Properties of our Sacrifice See Psal. 136. whole Coherence Summe Interpretat Why naturall men be called the world Proofe by scripture Reasons Similitudes Vse Such maisters such seruants Regis ad exemplum 〈◊〉 componitur 〈◊〉 Doctrine Doctrine Authoritie Reason Vse Doctrine Reason Vse The minde is first to bee made good Interpretat Doctrine Reasons Summe Deus dixit Gen. 1. Double 〈◊〉 briety Coherence Similitude The Pope no head of the Church Christ gaue some Apostles some Prophets c. Ephes 4 11. but he gaue no head Ephes. 4 11. Phil. 1. 1. 1 Tim. 3 8. Prophesy or Ministry So Origen and M. Peter Martyr take it generally for Doctrine and exhortation also 〈◊〉 Prophesying subdiuided Thus Peter Martyr Oleuian and M. Doctor Willet do distinguish them Differing guists verse 6. Ministry subdiuided Acts 6 3 5. Thus Martyr Olcuian Orinaus and Paraeus do iudge Piscator also Like to our Church-wardens and Side men Thus Faius and Gualter and Paraeus expound it Coherence Sixe properties effects of charity Doubt Solution Note this Doctrine Reason Vse 1. qualitie of loue Three Rules whereby to iudge sincere loue The 2. words in the originall signify an hatred with vehemencie and to be ioyned vnto that which is good with a strong and indissoluble bond Pet. Martyr out of Chrysostoms Interpret Brethren because they communicate in one the same thing then ore thoy loue one another by good right 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 Church neyther sound Church nor sound member Rainold The faith of 〈◊〉 now 〈◊〉 of old Rome is not euen The great Anti-christ no where but at Rome What honour is How ingen dered What it is to go before other in giuing honour 2. Extreames of diligence Feruencie or zeale So M Beza affirmeth Hope patiēce Prayer How our praiers be continuall Hospitality Blesse what it is Where were patience or experience or hope without these persecutions of wicked men saith Chrystostome Mutuall affection What 〈◊〉 there is in contention about religion on the examples of Iewes and 〈◊〉 of Arrians Christians of Papists and Hugonites of Lutherans and Protestants of Formalists and 〈◊〉 as they be called doe witnesse Effect of Arrogancy Innocency of manners Reasons of a peaceable life Doubt Solution Magistrates be lawfull auengers How we may vse Lawe and authority Augustine vnderstandes by coales of fire the burning gripes of Repentance making anenimy relent beeing mollified by benefits as Ierom saith Others of burning charitie fire of loue as Martyr and Lyra. Others of both as M. Caluin c. Subiect what it imports Similitudes Powers Doubt Solution The kinds of power Mariti 〈◊〉 Patria 〈◊〉 Vse 2. Reason How Magistrates may be resisted A good wary wise prince is oftentimes sold. Reason Doubt Solution Doubt Solution Doubt Solution Doctrine Reasons Vse How loue is the ulfilling of the law and why Doubt Solution The Triall of Loue. Kairos Sleepe naturall and spirituall A natural and a spirituall waking Interpretat To cast off what Armour Of light why Interpretat Summe Vse How why Christ a garment Christ is truly 〈◊〉 two wayes Doctrine Doctrine Doubt Solution Great 〈◊〉 betweene 〈◊〉 and West Churches about obseruation of East r. betweene Luther protestants about breaking the bread This kinde of Carbonarie faith Cardinall Hosius requireth in all which dy wel and holds it sufficient for their saluatiō Scope Rom. 8 5. What it is to liue to Christ What it is to dye vnto the Lord. What is meant by Iudging Vse 7. things confiderable by this text about the last iudgement Acts 17 31. 1 Cor. 15 25 26 27 28. Howthe place of Esay cited by Paul is to be vnderstood The corporal superstitious bowing of the knee to the letters and 〈◊〉 of Iesus name for they do it not to the Lord or to Christ or to Emanuell is not to be proued by this Text. Diuels haue no material keees yet they also must bow Doctrine Vse Interpretat 3. Doctrine Vse 1 Cor. 6 9. Gal. 5 21. Vse Righteousnes Peace Ioy. Doctrine Note this He meaneth by faith an vndoubted certainety of minde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the truth of God 〈◊〉 Acts 15 9. Titus 1 15. An Infideil is 〈◊〉 of sinne because he dooth his workes not of faith or to the end for which he should and he doth them with an vngodly will Aug. Order and partes of the Chapter Vse Doctrine Vse Reason Doctrine Doctrine Reason Vse Doctrine
Nebuchadnezar when their captiuity was sharpe and their deliuerance long deferred yet because temporal deliuerance were Tipes of eternall and depended vpon Christ it is not to be doubted but Paul hath rightly applied it to the spirituall deliuerance by the Messiah to come through Faith Wherby the elect both vnder Law and Gospel were safe and made pertakers as well of Iustification and remission of sinnes presently as of life eternall in the Heauens Which concord in this great trueth of righteousnesse by Faith betweene the Prophets and Apostles it is implied not obscurely by this Particle As and whereas Paul ascribeth vnto holy Scripture the authority to proue the question in hand whether Faith or workes do iustifie before God we may note further in what estimation wee ought to haue the written word namely to account it the perfect rule of al diuine truth acording to which we ought to examine and iudge of al controuersies in matter of Faith and Religion for it is the wont of this blessed Apostle when he will confirme any Christian Doctrine or determine any doubt or question which may arise about it still to runne vnto Scriptures for probation which shewes the Scriptures alone to be a sufficient directory and a competent Iudge of all controuersies in Religion Tim. What did we obserue in the authority it selfe Sil. The reading and the Interpretation The reading standeth thus The iust by Faith shall liue this is the better reading or thus The iust shall liue by Faith this is the worse as though we were first iust and afterward should liue by Faith Also the word His is in the Prophet The iust shall liue by his owne Faith but it is left out by Paul because it is sufficient without the pronowne to proue his purpose that The iust by Faith shall liue Tim. What is the Interpretation of these words as they were first vsed of the Prophet Habakkuk Sil. To shew the duty of iust men in dangerous times namely by Faith to waite and rest vpon God if they would liue and be preserued when other which had confidence in themselues were destroyed Tim. What is the meaning as Paul sciteth it Sil. To teach thus much that such as imbrace righteousnesse by Faith shall be saued from Sinne Hell and Sathan and liue eternally in Heauen as well as be deliuered heere in earth from temporall dangers Tim. What Doctrines were gathered heere Sil. These three chiefely First that none shall liue but the iust Secondly none iust but by Faith Thirdly euery one is iustified by his owne Faith Tim. Why shall none liue saue the iust Sil. Because God hath not promised life but to such as are iust as it is written Doe this and liue Secondly he threatneth death to sinne and to all vnrighteousnesse therefore all vniust persons are certain to perish which sheweth the necessity of seeking and getting perfect iustice by beleeuing the gospell Tim. Why is none Iust saue by Faith Silas Because all men euen the best do lacke righteousnesse of their owne therefore they must seek it elswhere in Christ by Faith Rom. 10 3 4 5. Phil. 3 7 8 9. Tim. How is it declared that none is Iustified but by his owne Faith Silas As none seeth but with his owne eye or taketh hold of a thing but with his owne hand or eateth but with his owne mouth or walketh but with his owne feete so none seeth Christ to be his Sauiour or taketh hold of his merites or feedeth on him or walketh and commeth to him any otherwise then by his own Faith which is the eye hand and mouth of the soule Tim. What other things learned we from this Text Silas That we haue many notable benefites by Faith to wit Saluation Righteousnesse and Life who of all other be most principall Secondly that to liue by faith it is to exercise Patience Hope Wisedome Loue Obedience out of a liuely Faith by which a Christian is made able to mooue himselfe to all good duties vnto which by power of Nature wee can by no meanes attaine Tim. Is there any further thing to be obserued in this Text for our instruction Silas Yea it commendeth vnto vs the difference betweene the Law and the Gospell how the righteousnesse of the one is distinguished from the other For the righteousnesse of the Law requireth workes and the fulfilling of the Commandements Leuit. 18 5. Galath 3 12. But the Gospell saith The Iust by Faith shall liue The righteousnesse of the Law is a perfect obedience the righteousnesse of the Gospell is an imputation thereof to the Elect Sinner at what time he beleeueth Rom. 4 24. The Righteousnesse of the gospell God giueth to vs but the righteousnes of the Law men do giue it to God There is good vse of this difference and is to be held constantly because it freeth the trobled Conscience from snares and perplexities when hee shall perceiue that though he lacke good Workes and be full of wicked manners yet vnto the forgiuenesse of sinnes and absolution before God it is enough only to beleeue in Christ according to the gospel Secondly it takes from man al cause of reioycing and glorying in himselfe that he may glory only in this That he knowes God to be mercifull to pardon his sinne and accept him for righteous when by his sinfull Workes and transgressions of the Lawe hee deserued death Ier. 9 23. DIAL X. Verse 18. For the Wrath of God is reuealed from heauen against all vngodlinesse and vnrighteousnes of Men which with-hold the truth in vnrighteousnes Tim. VVHat is the drift of this Text how doth it depend vpon and sort with the former Verse Silas The drift and purpose is to confirm the maine and grand proposition that sinners are Iustified and saued by the Faith of the gospell The argument is from the contrary Sinners are not Iustified by their Works therefore by Faith For in the cause of Iustification faith and workes haue the condition of contraries Rom 11 6. Now touching things which be immediately contrarie the maxime and rule is that when the one is denied the other is affirmed and what is taken from the one is giuen to the other it doth then necessarily followe that righteousnesse must be had by Faith seeing it cannot be had by workes Aud why not by workes Was it not the common and generally receiued opinion both amongst Philosophers and the Iewes themselues that Workes were the cause of righteousnesse To this secret Obiection the Apostle answereth by a reason taken from the contrary effects as thus Men cannot bee righteous by their Workes because their workes were wicked and vniust therefore punished of God which he proueth by a distribution of Gentiles vnto Chap. 2. Verse 17. and thenceforward of the Iewes till Chap. 3. verse 22. Tim. How many things are noted in this Text Silas Three First that the Gentiles had knowledge of God and good things naturally ingrafted in them signified by the word Truth
the cruelty of Sathan in as much as these either dare not appeare before God to accuse and charge vs or if they doe it it is but lost labour since GOD the iudge hath discharged vs. Secondly as it shewes the happines of iustified persons so it bewrayes the great misery of such as doe not beleeue because they bee subiect to the accusation of sin and Sathan themselues and of the world and to the condemnation of God and his law Tim. So doe the beleeuers because they haue sinne still in them and Gods iustice must needs condemne sinne how doth the Apostle answere this assault Sil. Thus that Christ being dead he hath in his death made satisfaction and where satisfaction is made to diuine iustice there is no cause to feare condemnation which doth neuer proceede but against persons who cannot satisfie neither by others nor themselues Tim. Tea but what can a dead man profit vs Silas Nothing at all had death swallowed him vp and subdued him but Christ once dead is risen againe and now sitteth at the right hand of God Tim. Hath God a right band or doth Christ sit in heauen Sil. No not so for in heauen be no seates and God is a Spirit and therefore is no bodily substance hauing fleshly members but the meaning of this phrase is that Christ liueth in heauen blessedly and raigneth in exceeding glory and power not onely as he is God but also as he is man being exalted in his kingdome and Priest-hood and declared king and head of his Church before God and the Angels hauing all things subiect to him Of which singular dignity and honour giuen to him by his Father reade Mat. 28 18. Ephe. 1 20 21 22. Phil. 2 9. Col. 2 15. 10. 13. 3. Tim. What is meant by this that he makes request for vs in Heauen Silas That as he once merited our saluation in earth by dying so he now continually preserues it for vs in heauen by his intercession for vs which is not now in humiliation by kneeling vpon his knees as in the dayes of his flesh nor as the Spirite doth by stirring vp requests for vs but hee now maketh request by the vertue and merite of his death appeasing his Fathers wrath and turning his fauour towards vs so often as wee sinne of infirmity and seeke for pardon in his name Tim. Tell vs distinctly in what things doth this intercession of Christ consist Sil. In foure things First in his appearing for vs before God Heb. 9 24. Secondly in his satisfaction once performed to Gods iustice for vs Heb. 10 12. 14. Thirdly in that his will is that this satisfaction should euer stead all his members before God Heb. 10 10. Lastly the consent of God his Father resting in this satisfaction and will of his Sonne Iohn 11 42. Tim. What is the benefit that beleeuers haue by this intercession of Christ to whom alone this honour is peculiar Silas Exceeding great for it quits them from all feare of condemnation by Gods Iustice in respect of theyr sinnes because where Christ becomes Patrone for to defend against the sentence of damnation it is in vaine for sinne Law or Sathan to attempt any thing against beleeuers Euen as an innocent person is safe so long as he hath his learned aduocate to answere things obiected and to pleade his innocency and as one accused vnto a Prince is well as long as he hath a friend in the Court to speake for him so is it with all beleeuers who haue the Iudge himselfe both iudge and aduocate 1 Iohn 2 2. Tim. What other thing is to be learned from hence Silas Two thinges First that the sinnes of the elect shall neuer come into examination or inquiry being all for giuen and couered Secondly that Christ Iesus is a sufficient remedy against all things that may trouble or feare the conscience and that these four maner of waies First by his death freeing vs from sinne and damnation Secondly by his rising againe getting righteousnesse victory ouer all his enemies Thirdly by being at the right hand of God he sheddeth downe the holy Ghost vpon vs with his sauing graces Fourthly by his intercession he effectually applies vnto vs all his merites and continually preserues vs in the state of grace and saluation Therefore all that seeke for any soul comfort from any thing in heauen or in earth in themselues or others they are most miserably seduced for Christ is alone sufficient both to merit and preserue our saluation vnto vs. Away then with abhomination cast away those blasphemous prayers and professions of Papistes touching the blessed Virgin Marie calling her Queen of Heauen our hope our onely hope our health our saluation our comfort refreshing and our ioy our deliuerer from danger our refuge and calling vpon her in life to defend in the houre of death to protect to entreate God the Father not as intercessor but with authority to command the Son Christ as a Mother with such like horrible impieties vnto her and to the Crosse and to Thomas Becket and to Saint Francis as their owne rotten Bookes do witnesse DIAL XXXI Verse 35 36 37. Who shall separate vs from the loue of Christ Shall tribulation or anguish or persecution or famine or nakednesse or perill or sword as it is written For thy sake are we killed all the day long we are counted as Sheepe for the slaughter neuerthel esse in all these thinges wee are more then Conquerors through him that loued vs. Tim. VVHat is the drift of this Text Silas To confirme and comfort faithfull hearts against a new and most daungerous assault made against their faith by sundry greeuous crosses and enemies by which Satan endeauoureth to shake out of the minds of the godly the perswasion os Gods loue toward them men through weaknesse being apt to thinke that they are not loued of God when they are sore and long afflicted as if troubles and calamities were so many testimonies of his anger and wrath as Dauid complaines Psal. 13 1. And against this temptation they are heere strengthned Tim. What be the parts of this Text Silas Two First a question verse 35 36. Secondly an answer verse 37. The question containes two things First a rehearsal of the particular calamities which fight against the beleeuers and seem to wrest out the sence of Gods loue from them verse 35. Secondly a confirmation of the last calamity to wit the sword by testimonie of Scripture verse 36. The answere containes a notable consolation from the contrary euent to wit the most wholesome yssue of calamities and crosses wherein the beleeuers are not onely not ouercome but do ouercom yea do more then conquer This euent is set forth by the cause which is the vnchangeable loue and assistance of God through him that loued vs. Tim. What is meant heere by the loue of Christ Silas It is taken heere not actiuely for that loue wherewith wee loue him as if our
an Apostle was aboundantly enough Silas It is true Paul his owne assertion might haue sufficiently authorised this doctrine but for two or three especiall reasons hee doeth nowe as aften heretofore appeale vnto Scriptures repeating his wonted words as it is written His reasons bee these First to manifest and make good that which in his defence before King Agrippa hee had spoken that hee did witnesse no other thinges then those which the Prophets did say should come Acts 26 22. Secondly to preuent and put by the offence of the Iewes that they might not be scandalized and grieued with the doctrine of the Gospell wherein they should apparantly behold a great and full agreement between it and the Gospell Thirdly to commend the vse of the Scriptures that it alone is a perfect rule of faith and manners all-sufficient alone to demonstrate and proue all doctrines touching saluation so as we neede not for this purpose authority humane or traditions of the Church and vnwritten word Tim. What are we then to learne from this constant customs of Paul still prouoking to the authority of the old Testament for proofe of poynts and articles of religion Silas First the great proportion and harmony or consent which is betweene the Propheticall and Apostolicall writings Nothing in the new Testament is taught to be beleeued vnto saluation which is not fore-told and foreshewed in the olde nothing promised in the old which hath not the acomplishment in the new so as the bookes of Euangelists and Apostles bee as it were commentaries of the Prophets as the Prophets be interpreters of Moses The new Testament is the illustration of the old as the old is the shadowing of the new both bee but one word and one Scripture as there is but one faith one Church whatsoeuer fanaticall and fantasticall men as Marcionites Manichees and others do dreame Secondly we learne that neither preachers publikely for doctrine matter of faith do teach ought which they cannot auouch and make good by authority of Scripture nor the people embrace as truth of God vnto their saluation ought which cannot bee shewed them to be contained in the written worde eyther for words expresly or for matter and meaning If any thing in the matter of Faith and saluation be saide or alledged without authority of Scripture it may be reiected with the same facility as it was alledged saith an ancient Father Whatsoeuer is necessary is manifest sayth Augustine Againe If I reade it not in the Canonicall Scripture I will not beleeue it Tim. From what Chapters of Esay are these two authorities drawne and fetched and how are they fitted vnto Paule his purpose Silas Heere be two Oracles of Esay the Prophet contracted into one as was done before in verse 8. The former Text or sentence taken out of the Prophet Esay ch 59. v. 20 there is a little alteration in the words for in Esay it is The deliuerer shall come to Syon in Paul following the translation of the Septuagint it is Shall come out of Syon This difference may thus be reconciled eyther 〈◊〉 is by the Notaries and Coppiers fault crept into the Text for heneca as the Septuagint rendred it For Syons sake or if we read out of Sion then it hath relation vnto the progresse of the Gospell as if Paul doing the office of an Interpreter should say that out of Sion that is the Church of God signified by Sion where the Tribes assembled to worship should come the Gospell which should conuert the Iewes to Christ whereas Esay respecting the very time and instant of the first comming of the Messias said Vnto Sion There is another alteration in the wordes though no change in the sence for whereas Esay saith vnto them which turne from iniquity which implyeth repentance Paul rising higher nameth the very cause of their repentance namely remission of sinnes by faith in Christ. For none can turne away from sinne by repentance exGod turne sinne from them by free remission Or else with Maister Iunius wee may say that for his comming whereof Esay makes mention Paul setteth downe a beneficiall consequent of his comming which is remission of sinnes The second authority is fetched the one part of it This shall be my couenaut out of Esay 59 21. and the other part out of Esay Chap. 27. verse 9. This is al the fruite the taking away of sinne Some thinke it an allusion to the words of the couenant Ier. 31 34. The Apostle applieth this place to his purpose after this sort Seeing God meaneth by free couenant to bee reconciled to the Iewes forgiuing them their sinnes and hath foretolde it by his Prophet therefore there is no doubt of it but it should be in which regard the Gentiles haue no cause proudly to despise and insult ouer the Iewes but in feare and humility to preserue themselues in the estate of grace If we will heare the application of these Scriptures more at large thus it is What God hath promised by couenant the same must bee fulfilled because God is faithfull and cannot lye or deny himselfe 1 Tim. 1 2. Shall he promise and not doe But by promise hee couenanted to giue a deliuerance not temporall from Babylonish captiuity but spirituall vnto remission of sinnes and eternall life which couenant he hath made not with Gentiles onely but with Iewes not with one or with a fewe but with the whole people signified by Iacob opposed against In part verse 25. This Couenant of sending Christ who is the deliuerer here spoken of to conuert the whole Nation of the Iewes and to saue them by forgiuenesse of sinne is not yet accomplished Therefore in time to come euen before the Conclusion of the world it must be fulfilled for one title or iot of Gods word may not fall to the ground This is like the prophesies of Math. 1 21. Mich. 4 7. Luke 1 33. which are not yet done therefore must be For the Iewes being the chiefe part of the people are but in smal number yet called to the kingdome of Christ. Tim. What is now the generall Doctrine of these two Verses What is taught out of them Sil. That there shall be a generall calling of the Iewes to the faith of the Gospell before the second comming of Christ as the Prophets haue fore-tolde it It is not meant that euery one shall be saued so as there shal not be any one beleeuer in the whole nation but as the fulnesse of the Gentiles are saide to come into the Church because the most and greatest number shall imbrace Christ so all Israel must be saued and whole Iacob shall haue sinne forgiuen them because this shall be done to the cheefest part whereof the whole vseth to take denomination For further proofe heereof see the 21. Chapter of the Reuelation which is a prophesie of this last and great vocation of the Iewes as hath beene proued before Vnto which wee may ioyne Ezekiels